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{{short description|American baseball executive|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name               = Theo Epstein
| image              = Theo Epstein 2010.jpg
| caption            = Epstein in 2010
| position           = [[General manager]]
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1973|12|29}}
| birth_place        = [[New York City]], U.S.
| teams              = '''As executive'''
* [[San Diego Padres]] ({{mlby|1997}}–{{mlby|2001}})<br />Director of baseball operations
* [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2005}})<br />General manager
* Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2011}})<br />Executive vice president & general manager
* [[Chicago Cubs]] ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2020}})<br />President of baseball operations
| highlights         = * 3× [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|2004}}, {{wsy|2007}}, {{wsy|2016}})
* [[Baseball America Major League Executive of the Year|''Baseball America'' Major League Executive of the Year]] (2008)
* [[The Sporting News Executive of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'' Executive of the Year]] (2016)
}}
'''Theo Nathaniel Epstein''' (born December 29, 1973) is an American former [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) executive who currently serves as a senior advisor and part-owner of [[Fenway Sports Group]], which owns the [[Boston Red Sox]] of MLB and [[Liverpool F.C.]] of the English [[Premier League]], among other properties. 

In his executive career, Epstein helped to end two of the longest [[World Series]] droughts in MLB history.<ref name="WSDroughtEnd">{{cite web |date=3 November 2016 |title=With Red Sox, Cubs, Theo Epstein ends 2 longest World Series droughts, becomes sure Hall of Famer |url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2016/11/theo_epstein_chicago_cubs_vs_c.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511130729/https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2016/11/theo_epstein_chicago_cubs_vs_c.html |archive-date=11 May 2021 |access-date=11 May 2021}}</ref> In [[2004 World Series|2004]], when he was vice president and [[general manager (baseball)|general manager]] for the Red Sox, the team won their first World Series championship in [[1918 World Series|86 years]]. His next job was [[president of baseball operations]] for the [[Chicago Cubs]], who in [[2016 World Series|2016]] won their first World Series championship in [[1908 World Series|108 years]]. After his tenure in Chicago, he joined MLB as a consultant.<ref name="TheoMLBConsultant">{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Jesse |title=MLB hires former Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein as consultant to 'on-field matters' |date=January 14, 2021 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30712193/mlb-hires-former-chicago-cubs-president-theo-epstein-consultant-field-matters |access-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513205253/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30712193/mlb-hires-former-chicago-cubs-president-theo-epstein-consultant-field-matters |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life ==
Epstein was born to a secular [[American Jews|Jewish]] family in New York City and raised in [[Brookline, Massachusetts]].<ref>{{citation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4OP_5zzOBNMC&pg=PT213 |title=Jewish Jocks: An Unorthodox Hall of Fame|isbn=9781455516117|date=2012-10-30|last1=Foer|first1=Franklin|last2=Tracy|first2=Marc|publisher=Grand Central }}</ref><ref>Sheila Barth,[http://boston.forward.com/articles/184426/the-epstein-family-true-team-players/ Jewish Journal: "The Epstein Family: True Team Players"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015031/http://boston.forward.com/articles/184426/the-epstein-family-true-team-players/ |date=2017-11-07 }}, boston.forward.com, June 18, 2014.</ref><ref>Gabe Friedman, [https://www.timesofisrael.com/theo-epstein-vs-mike-chernoff-the-jewish-brains-behind-the-cubs-and-the-indians/  "Theo Epstein vs. Mike Chernoff: The Jewish brains behind the Cubs and the Indians"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613014507/https://www.timesofisrael.com/theo-epstein-vs-mike-chernoff-the-jewish-brains-behind-the-cubs-and-the-indians/ |date=2019-06-13 }}, timesofisrael.com, October 28, 2016.</ref> He graduated from [[Brookline High School]] in 1991,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Beggy|first1=Carol|last2=Shanahan|first2=Mark|url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2003/11/06/monet_goes_to_vegas_kerry_goes_out_on_the_town/|title=Monet goes to Vegas; Kerry goes out on the town|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=November 6, 2003|access-date=February 17, 2008|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183423/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2003/11/06/monet_goes_to_vegas_kerry_goes_out_on_the_town/|url-status=live}}</ref> where he played baseball for the Brookline High School Warriors, but dreamed of working for the Red Sox.

Epstein attended [[Yale University]], where he lived at [[Jonathan Edwards College]]. He served as sports [[Editing|editor]] of the ''[[Yale Daily News]]''. He graduated in 1995 with a degree in [[American studies]]. During his time as an undergraduate, he wrote letters to several teams expressing interest in working for them. His letter to the [[Baltimore Orioles]] reached team executive [[Calvin Hill]], a Yale alumnus and head of personnel, who invited him for an interview. Epstein interned for three consecutive summers for the Orioles.<ref name=bprospectus>Nathan Fox, [http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2546 "Prospectus Q&A: Theo Epstein, Part I"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002162201/http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2546 |date=2016-10-02 }}, baseballprospectus.com, February 9, 2004.</ref> Eventually he was hired as the [[public relations]] assistant for the Orioles.

==Career==
===San Diego Padres===
Epstein then moved with [[Larry Lucchino]] to the [[San Diego Padres]] as director of player development. While working for the Padres, he also studied at the [[University of San Diego School of Law]] and earned a [[Juris Doctor]] degree at Lucchino's suggestion.<ref name="e051">{{cite web | last=Gopisetty | first=Smita | title=For Epstein ’95, a dream fulfilled at 28 | website=Yale Daily News | date=2002-12-11 | url=https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2002/12/11/for-epstein-95-a-dream-fulfilled-at-28/ | access-date=2025-01-23}}</ref> Epstein based his class selection on which professors seemed to be the most lenient with attendance policies given the Padres' often-late work hours. By studying law, Epstein was invited to take part in high-level negotiations and discussions by then-GM [[Kevin Towers]] since few in the Padres' small operations division had a legal background to understand contract language.<ref name=bprospectus/> He worked his way up to become the team's director of baseball operations.<ref name=BHohner/>

===Boston Red Sox===
[[File:Theo Epstein 2007 World Series parade.jpg|thumb|210px|Epstein at the [[2007 World Series]] victory parade]]
After leaving the position as the Padres' President, Lucchino became [[List of Boston Red Sox owners and executives|president]] and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of the Red Sox on November 15, 2001<ref>Shaughnessy, Dan, [https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/08/01/larry-lucchino-out-red-sox-ceo/7LYd3BIaYayaiuZoJci4HN/story.html "Red Sox CEO Lucchino to leave at season’s end"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726195453/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/08/01/larry-lucchino-out-red-sox-ceo/7LYd3BIaYayaiuZoJci4HN/story.html |date=2016-07-26 }}, ''[[Boston Globe]]'', August 2, 2015. Retrieved 2016-10-12.</ref> and hired Epstein to work under him. At the end of the 2002 season, Lucchino appointed Epstein to replace interim [[List of Boston Red Sox owners and executives|general manager]] (GM) [[Mike Port]]. Epstein is credited with trading away [[Nomar Garciaparra]] and acquiring [[Bill Mueller]] and [[Curt Schilling]],<ref name=BHohner>[[Bob Hohler|Hohler, Bob]], [http://archive.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/10/29/epstein_was_an_old_pro?pg=full "Epstein was an old pro"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002092826/http://archive.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/10/29/epstein_was_an_old_pro?pg=full |date=2016-10-02 }}, ''boston.com''/[[NESN]], October 29, 2004.</ref> moves that helped break the "[[Curse of the Bambino]]" when the Red Sox defeated the [[2004 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals]] in the [[2004 World Series]], their first championship since [[1918 World Series|1918]].<ref>{{cite web |title=TBT: The Curse of the Bambino Is Broken |date=October 26, 2017 |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2017/10/26/bambino-curse-broken/ |publisher=Boston Magazine |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150306/https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2017/10/26/bambino-curse-broken/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 31, 2005, he resigned, rejecting a three-year, $1.5-million-per-year contract for personal reasons. According to ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', "This is a job you have to give your whole heart and soul to", he said. "In the end, after a long period of reflection about myself and the program, I decided I could no longer put my whole heart and soul into it." As it was [[Halloween]] the night he resigned from the Red Sox, he left [[Fenway Park]] wearing a [[gorilla suit]] in an attempt to avoid reporters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/happy-anniversary-theo-epstein-resigns-wears-gorilla-suit/|title=Happy Anniversary: Theo Epstein resigns, wears gorilla suit|last1=Snyder|first1=Matt|date=October 31, 2014|work=CBS Sports|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703133440/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/happy-anniversary-theo-epstein-resigns-wears-gorilla-suit/|url-status=live}}</ref> A witness reported spotting a person wearing a gorilla suit driving a Volvo similar to Epstein's that night. The suit was loaned to him and was later auctioned for $11,000. The money raised was given to [[The Jimmy Fund]] and the Foundation to be Named Later (FTBNL).<ref name=Foundation/>

Epstein remained in contact with the team's front office and in January 2006, he and Red Sox management announced he would return, resuming the role of general manager and adding the title of executive vice president.<ref>{{cite news |title=After 80 Days, Red Sox Return Epstein to Full-Time Role |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/sports/baseball/after-80-days-red-sox-return-epstein-to-fulltime-role.html |work=New York Times |date=January 20, 2006 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |last1=Kepner |first1=Tyler |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512135218/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/20/sports/baseball/after-80-days-red-sox-return-epstein-to-fulltime-role.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Red Sox went on to win the [[2007 World Series]], Epstein's second championship with Boston.<ref>{{cite news |title=Red Sox Sweep World Series Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/29/sports/baseball/29seriesy.html |work=New York Times |date=October 29, 2007 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |last1=Kepner |first1=Tyler |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512153344/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/29/sports/baseball/29seriesy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2007, Epstein announced, at the annual general manager meeting, that he had signed a new contract with the Red Sox but declined to disclose the terms of the deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3681360|title=Epstein says he, Red Sox agreed to new deal 'few weeks ago'|date=November 4, 2008|access-date=November 4, 2008|publisher=ESPN.go.com|archive-date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320043621/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3681360|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Chicago Cubs===
[[File:Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein talks to reporters before NLCS Game 6.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Epstein talks to reporters before the 2016 NLCS Game 6]]
On October 12, 2011, Epstein agreed to a five-year contract worth $18.5 million with the [[Chicago Cubs]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7091803/sources-theo-epstein-chicago-cubs-agree-five-year-deal|title=Theo Epstein, Cubs agree|last=Olney|first=Buster|author2=Gordon Edes|date=October 12, 2011|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=October 12, 2011|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922095816/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7091803/sources-theo-epstein-chicago-cubs-agree-five-year-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 19, 2011, it was reported that Epstein's official title with the Cubs would be president and that [[San Diego Padres]] general manager [[Jed Hoyer]] would take the GM position with the Cubs.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/10/20/jed.hoyer.cubs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023045122/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/10/20/jed.hoyer.cubs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2011|title=Sources: Jed Hoyer, To Join Cubs as GM|date=October 20, 2011|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|access-date=October 20, 2011}}</ref>

On October 23, 2011, he took out a full-page ad in ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', thanking Red Sox fans and the team's owners for their support.<ref name=Jackson>{{cite web|last=Jackson|first=Scott|title=Epstein classy on the way out|url=http://bleacherbumsports.net/2011/10/23/epstein-classy-on-the-way-out/|work=Bleacher Bum Sports|access-date=October 23, 2011|archive-date=October 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031204642/http://bleacherbumsports.net/2011/10/23/epstein-classy-on-the-way-out/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Two days later, the Cubs officially introduced Epstein as
president of baseball operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cubs introduce Theo Epstein|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7147573/chicago-cubs-introduce-theo-epstein-president-baseball-operations|website=espnchicago.com|date=25 October 2011|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 9, 2015|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012023527/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7147573/chicago-cubs-introduce-theo-epstein-president-baseball-operations|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cubs finished in last place in the National League Central for the first three years of Epstein's presidency, as the focus was to acquire young talent rather than maximize short-term competitiveness.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tom Ricketts Recalls Why He Hired Theo Epstein Originally: 'Living Year To Year Wasn't Going To Change The Prospects'|date=September 29, 2016|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/09/29/cubs-tom-ricketts-recalls-why-he-hired-theo-epstein-in-first-place-living-year-to-year-wasnt-going-to-change-the-prospects/|publisher=CBS Chicago|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112023833/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/09/29/cubs-tom-ricketts-recalls-why-he-hired-theo-epstein-in-first-place-living-year-to-year-wasnt-going-to-change-the-prospects/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a three-year rebuild, the Cubs clinched a playoff berth in 2015 and advanced to the [[2015 NLCS|National League Championship Series]], where they were swept by the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs clinch first MLB playoff berth since 2008|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/09/25/chicago-cubs-clinch-first-playoff-berth-2008-wild-card-pittsburgh-pirates|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=November 9, 2015|archive-date=October 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002065856/http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/09/25/chicago-cubs-clinch-first-playoff-berth-2008-wild-card-pittsburgh-pirates|url-status=live}}</ref>

Epstein signed an extension with the club on September 28, 2016, with a contract estimated to be worth up to $25 million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gonzales|first1=Mark|date=September 28, 2016|title=Cubs give Theo Epstein a five-year extension|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-theo-epstein-extension-cubs-20160928-story.html|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=September 28, 2016|archive-date=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930145009/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-theo-epstein-extension-cubs-20160928-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cubs would proceed to break the so-called "[[Curse of the Billy Goat]]" by defeating [[Cleveland Indians]] in the [[2016 World Series]], their first championship since [[1908 World Series|1908]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Steve|title=Epstein proves to be the ultimate curse-buster|url=https://www.tsn.ca/epstein-proves-to-be-the-ultimate-curse-buster-1.600526|website=TSN.ca|date=November 4, 2016|publisher=TSN|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112020320/http://www.tsn.ca/epstein-proves-to-be-the-ultimate-curse-buster-1.600526|url-status=live}}</ref>

Epstein stepped down from his role on the Cubs on November 20, 2020. [[Jed Hoyer]], Epstein's long-time deputy, took over his position.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/theo-epstein-stepping-down-as-cubs-president-of-baseball-operations|title='Incredibly grateful' Epstein steps down|website=[[MLB.com]]|access-date=2021-05-01|archive-date=2021-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318230854/https://www.mlb.com/news/theo-epstein-stepping-down-as-cubs-president-of-baseball-operations|url-status=live}}</ref>

===MLB consultant and private equity===
In January 2021, MLB hired Epstein as a consultant for "on-field matters".<ref name="TheoMLBConsultant" /> Later that year, he joined private equity firm Arctos Sports Partners.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/theo-epstein-joins-private-equity-firm-that-is-buying-stakes-in-teams-11612141748 | title=Theo Epstein Joins Private-Equity Firm That is Buying Stakes in Teams | newspaper=Wall Street Journal | date=February 2021 | last1=Diamond | first1=Jared | access-date=2023-02-22 | archive-date=2024-02-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214220036/https://www.wsj.com/articles/theo-epstein-joins-private-equity-firm-that-is-buying-stakes-in-teams-11612141748 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Return to Fenway Sports Group===
On February 2, 2024, [[Fenway Sports Group]] announced that Epstein would return to the company as a senior adviser, while also joining its ownership group pending MLB approval.<ref>{{cite web |title=Theo Epstein appointed senior advisor of Fenway Sports Group |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=February 2, 2024 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/theo-epstein-fenway-sports-group |access-date=April 6, 2024 |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413093209/https://www.mlb.com/news/theo-epstein-fenway-sports-group |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Epstein has a [[twin]] brother, Paul, who is a social worker at [[Brookline High School]] in [[Brookline, Massachusetts]]. He and Paul are co-founders of "The Foundation to be Named Later", established in 2005.<ref name=Foundation>{{cite web |url=http://www.foundationtobenamedlater.org/founders.html |title=FTBNL: Theo Epstein: Paul Epstein: Founders |publisher=Foundation To Be Named Later |access-date=2017-03-10 |archive-date=2021-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227070549/http://www.foundationtobenamedlater.org/founders.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Epstein's grandfather, [[Philip G. Epstein]], and great-uncle, [[Julius J. Epstein]] – with [[Howard E. Koch]] – won [[Academy Awards]] for the screenplay of ''[[Casablanca (film)|Casablanca]]'',<ref name=Foundation/> while his father, novelist [[Leslie Epstein]], headed the Creative Writing Program at [[Boston University]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Brotman|first=Barbara|title=The Natural: Baseball remains a literary hit in Theo Epstein's family|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/11/07/the-natural-baseball-remains-a-literary-hit-in-theo-epsteins-family/|work=chicagotribune.com|date=November 7, 2011|access-date=August 27, 2012|archive-date=September 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920212427/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/11/07/the-natural-baseball-remains-a-literary-hit-in-theo-epsteins-family/|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, Ilene (Gradman), opened a clothing store.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jwa.org/people/epstein-ilene|title=Ilene Epstein - Jewish Women's Archive|website=jwa.org}}</ref> Epstein's sister, Anya, is a screenwriter and television producer (''[[Homicide: Life on the Street]]'' and ''[[Tell Me You Love Me (TV series)|Tell Me You Love Me]]'').<ref>{{cite web|title=Dinner & Discussion On The Film & TV Industries|url=https://calendar.columbia.edu/sundial/webapi/get.php?vt=detail&br=default&id=54423|work=columbia.edu|access-date=August 27, 2012|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129080931/https://calendar.columbia.edu/sundial/webapi/get.php?vt=detail&br=default&id=54423|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, Epstein married Marie Whitney, a Catholic and the founder/creative director of Two Penny Blue.<ref name=HareetzBambino>[https://www.haaretz.com/news/features/this-day-in-jewish-history/.premium-1.553610 "This day in Jewish history/Red Sox manager who removed 'curse of the Bambino' moves on"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914230309/http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/this-day-in-jewish-history/.premium-1.553610 |date=2014-09-14 }}, haaretz.com, October 21, 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://2pennyblue.com/pages/about-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206031138/http://2pennyblue.com/pages/about-us|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-02-06|title=About Us|work=Two Penny Blue}}</ref> The couple have two sons.<ref>{{cite web|title = Founders – Foundation To Be Named Later: FTBNL: Theo Epstein: Paul Epstein|url = http://foundationtobenamedlater.org/wordpress/founders/|access-date = September 22, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Boston Globe]]'' sportswriter [[Gordon Edes]] reported that the wedding took place at [[Nathan's Famous]] hot dog stand at [[Coney Island]], then later published a correction, noting that he had fallen for a prank by Theo's father Leslie. The site and actual date of the wedding were never released, but the ''[[Boston Herald]]'' later reported that the wedding took place on Red Sox owner [[John W. Henry|John Henry]]'s yacht in [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/01/31/hitch_was_in_his_plan|author-link=Gordon Edes|first=Gordon|last=Edes|date=January 31, 2007|title=Hitch was in his plan: Epstein took a wife, left media in dark|work=[[Boston Globe]]|access-date=November 2, 2007|archive-date=September 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917080018/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/01/31/hitch_was_in_his_plan/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2007/01/to_be_frank.html|first=Gordon|last=Edes|date=January 31, 2007|title=A frank explanation|work=[[Boston Globe]]|access-date=November 2, 2007|archive-date=May 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516225303/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2007/01/to_be_frank.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Charity===
Epstein's "Hot Stove Cool Music" are biannual Boston and Chicago benefit concerts that have raised millions of dollars for the "disadvantaged youth and families" of the respective cities. Before the 2015 event, Epstein said, "We've collectively raised more than $6 million and look forward to increasing that total this year through another great night of music, baseball and giving back."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bloom|first1=Barry M.|title=Theo Epstein's Hot Stove Cool Music Heats Up With Special Guest "Headliner To Be Named Later" at Wrigleyville's Metro July 9|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/theo-epsteins-hot-stove-cool-music-heats-up-with-special-guest/c-125311456|website=mlb.com/news|publisher=MLB.com|access-date=November 9, 2015|archive-date=November 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122224029/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/125311456/theo-epsteins-hot-stove-cool-music-heats-up-with-special-guest|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Honors and awards==
As a front office executive, Epstein is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with the Red Sox (2004 and 2007) and once with the Cubs (2016). In 2007, the [[Carl Maddox Sport Management Award|United States Sports Academy]] named Epstein the recipient of its "Carl Maddox Sport Management Award".{{cn|date=April 2024}}

In December 2008, ''Baseball America'' named Epstein its [[Baseball America awards|''Baseball America'' Major League Executive of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Speier|title=Setting Up Success: Epstein is our Major League Exec of the Year|date=December 22, 2008|publisher=Baseball America|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/awards/executive-of-the-year/2008/267270.html|access-date=September 26, 2010|archive-date=November 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125025031/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/awards/executive-of-the-year/2008/267270.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2009, the book ''[[Theo-logy: How a Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land]]'' was published.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

In September 2009, Epstein was named [[Sporting News#Major League Baseball|''Sporting News'' Executive of the Decade]].<ref>Stone, Larry, [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2009936003_ichiro_on_sporting_news_all-de.html "Ichiro on Sporting News All-Decade team. Who is the Player of the Decade?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928071802/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2009936003_ichiro_on_sporting_news_all-de.html |date=2009-09-28 }}, ''The Seattle Times'', September 24, 2009. The Seattle Times Co. Retrieved September 26, 2009.</ref> At the same time, the Red Sox were named [[Sporting News#Major League Baseball|''Sporting News'' Team of the Decade]]. In December, ''Sports Illustrated'' named him MLB's [[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#Major League Baseball|Best General Manager of the Decade]] and number 3 on its list of the [[Sports Illustrated Top 10 GMs/Executives of the Decade (2009)|Top 10 GMs/Executives of the Decade]] (in all sports).<ref>The list's only other MLB GMs were Seattle and Philadelphia's Pat Gillick (No. 7) and Oakland's Billy Beane (No. 10). {{cite magazine|last=Friedman|first=Dick|title=2000s: Top 10 GMs/Executives|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=December 22, 2009|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/19/top.executives/index.html|access-date=September 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117053624/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/19/top.executives/index.html|archive-date=January 17, 2010}}</ref>

In November 2016, Epstein was named the [[Sporting News Executive of the Year Award|''Sporting News'' Executive of the Year]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/cubs-curse-killer-epstein-voted-top-mlb-executive-194632562--mlb.html |title=Cubs curse-killer Epstein voted top MLB executive |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=2016-11-08 |access-date=2016-11-10 }}</ref> Also in November, Epstein won the [[This Year in Baseball Awards#Awards|Esurance MLB Award]] for Best Executive.<ref>{{cite web |last=Footer |first=Alyson |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/esurance-mlb-awards-announced-c209180984 |title=Esurance MLB Awards announced &#124; MLB.com |website=MLB.com |date=2016-01-20 |access-date=2017-03-10 |archive-date=2016-11-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119181826/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/209180984/esurance-mlb-awards-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2017, Epstein was announced as Yale's Class Day Speaker.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2017/03/05/theo-epstein-95-to-speak-at-class-day/ |title=Theo Epstein '95 to speak at Class Day |access-date=2017-03-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306004257/http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2017/03/05/theo-epstein-95-to-speak-at-class-day/ |archive-date=2017-03-06 }}</ref> [[Fortune Magazine]] also ranked Epstein #1 in their 2017 list of the "World's Greatest Leaders".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/worlds-greatest-leaders/theo-epstein-1/|title=Theo Epstein|date=March 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323175204/https://fortune.com/worlds-greatest-leaders/theo-epstein-1/|archive-date=March 23, 2017}}</ref> 

In April 2017, ''[[Time Magazine]]'' named Epstein one of the world's 100 most influential people.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736343/theo-epstein/|title=Theo Epstein: The World's 100 Most Influential People|magazine=Time|access-date=2017-04-20|archive-date=2017-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420211131/http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736343/theo-epstein/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|last=Ruttman|first=Larry|author-link=Larry Ruttman|title=American Jews and America's Game: Voices of a Growing Legacy in Baseball|date=2013|publisher=University of Nebraska Press|location=Lincoln, Nebraska and London, England|isbn=978-0-8032-6475-5|pages=403–409|chapter=Theo Epstein: The Youngest General Manager in Major League Baseball History}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Baseball}}
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{IMDb name|1795393}}
*[http://search.buzzhunt.com/results.jsp?q=theo+epstein&col=en-all-buzz-ep&sname=All+Series Theo Epstein News Video Clips]
*[http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/01/25/sox_make_an_executive_revision/ Sox Make An Executive Revision], article discussing Epstein's rehiring, from ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', January 25, 2006.

{{S-start}}
{{S-sports}}
{{Succession box | title=General Manager for the [[List of Boston Red Sox owners and executives|Boston Red Sox]] | before=[[Mike Port]]<br/><small>(internim general manager)</small> | years= 2002 – 2011 | after= [[Ben Cherington]]}}
{{Succession box | title=President of Baseball Operations<br/>for the [[List of Chicago Cubs owners and executives|Chicago Cubs]] | before=[[Crane Kenney]] | years= 2011 – 2020| after= [[Jed Hoyer]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{Boston Red Sox general managers}}
{{Chicago Cubs Presidents}}
{{MLB All Decade Team 2000s}}
{{SN Executive of the Year}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Epstein, Theo}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from New York City]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Brookline, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Jewish American baseball people]]
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[[Category:Yale College alumni]]
[[Category:University of San Diego School of Law alumni]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball general managers]]
[[Category:Boston Red Sox executives]]
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[[Category:Brookline High School alumni]]
[[Category:Baseball people from Massachusetts]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
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[[Category:Major League Baseball presidents of baseball operations]]